Psalm 6

Psalm 6 is the first of what are known as the Seven Penitential Psalms: 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143. These psalms are appreciated for their honesty and self-reflection. They model authentic prayers that seek God’s mercy, forgiveness and healing. Whatever our struggles, these psalms reveal we can come before God in humility and honesty, and, at God’s Throne of Grace experience God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.

Because of the sacrificial death of Jesus, “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” (Romans 8:1-2) However, we are troubled on two fronts that interfere with our experience of God’s grace.

The first is our sin. While Jesus has paid the penalty for our sin, the consequence of our sins separates us from resting in God’s love and affection for us. It is simply a matter of where we want to live. If we choose to live in sinful ways we will experience the consequences of sin, not the least of which is a sense that we are no longer in God’s good graces. Or, we can choose to dwell in the house of the Lord, where God’s goodness and mercy shall flow into our lives.

The second front is illness. We live in a fallen world where sickness and death are a part of the everyday ebb and flow of life. Jesus demonstrated that when God’s Kingdom is fully established on earth, death and sickness will be banished. Until then even the righteous will experience sickness and mortal death. However, God has promised, “I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26) While the consequence of sickness can make us feel separated from God, by faith we can call out to God for our healing.

The reality of life is that we, or those we love will experience pain-throbbing illness; and we, or those we love will despair of the consequences of sin. In those times Psalm 6 can inspire us to come to God in humility and honesty, seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness and experience God’s healing and loving-kindness.

What word or phrase in these verses

Attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

May 7, 2012            Psalm 7